Axe for twin town deal?
CONCERNS over the use of public money and procedures could see a town council withdraw from a historic town twinning arrangement.
CONCERNS over the use of public money and procedures could see a town council withdraw from a historic town twinning arrangement.
Bridgend has been twinned with Villenave d’Ornon in south west France for more than 20 years and with Langenau in Germany for more than 40.
It also has what is known as a friendship link with Hechtel-Eksel in Belgium.
But growing concerns over the operation of the town twinning committee and the cost of supporting it have led to four town councillors proposing that Bridgend Town Council cuts ties with the committee.
The town twinning committee could still continue its links with Europe, but would have to self-fund exchange visits or apply for grants.
An extraordinary meeting of the council has been called for Wednesday night to consider the motion proposed by town councillors Diane and Bob Burns, David Unwin and Clare Lewis.
The motion states that due to “considerably changed circumstances” which include a “complete lack of activity” with Langenau and schools visits with France which are organised largely by teachers, that the council devolves responsibility to “Bridgend Town Twinning enthusiasts and educational establishments with immediate effect”.
It also states it wants to “absolve” the council of the annual funding from the public purse, although the town twinning committee could still apply for grant funding from the town council as and when needed.
It is understood that until this year, town twinning has been receiving £2,000 annually from the town council to pay for French student visits and the council has also been paying out about £2,000 a year to cover the cost of official civic visits by dignitaries.
However, town twinning does also raise its own funds through events throughout the year.
The motion states that future civic visits would be considered on their merits before public funds are allocated.
It is understood those behind the motion believe that increasing pressure on the public purse and the acute funding needs of local organisations out- weighs the needs of town twinning.
Ahead of the meeting Diane Burns said: “My aim is to look after the public purse.”
But the treasurer of the town twinning committee Lindy Hutchinson said if passed by council, the proposed motion would make it “very difficult if not impossible for the committee to continue to operate as it does”.
In a statement circulated to councillors before the meeting, she said “town twinning is active and thriving” organising two student exchanges with France since January 2016, an adult visit to both Langenau and Villenave, and that in the next few weeks Penybont Danswrs and Tabernacl Choir are set to visit France.
She said: “We have been working at developing our constitution to meet changes and challenges, we have increased our range of social activities and we are planning our future, with Villenave, Langenau and HechtelEksel.
“I hope that the Bridgend town councillors will continue to support our activities and will recognise that the town twinning committee is an integral part of the fabric of the town.”